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2019 NFL Draft: 5 players Texans could take in Round 1

By Rucker Haringey

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans rolls out looking for a receiver against the Indianapolis Colts during the Wild Card Round at NRG Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans rolls out looking for a receiver against the Indianapolis Colts during the Wild Card Round at NRG Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 28: Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Erik McCoy (64) prepares to snap the ball during the Texas Bowl between the Texas A&M Aggies and Kansas State Wildcats on December 28, 2016, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 28: Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Erik McCoy (64) prepares to snap the ball during the Texas Bowl between the Texas A&M Aggies and Kansas State Wildcats on December 28, 2016, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Erik McCoy

McCoy played almost exclusively at center for Texas A&M last season, but his athleticism allows him to profile comfortably at guard as well. That’s likely where the Texans would deploy him in 2019.

Critics of McCoy would point out that he’s not an elite pass blocker. In a perfect world, the Texans would fill their entire line with guys who excel in that area. However, McCoy has plenty of other qualities for Houston to like.

Mainly, he’s a strong in-line blocker who consistently moved SEC defensive tackles off the ball during his collegiate career. He may not be a classic mauler at the guard position, but his college tape shows a lot of examples of him using great leverage and hand placement to open holes for his running backs.

The Texans could do a lot worse than grabbing a plug and play, Week 1 starter with their No. 23 selection. McCoy isn’t the sort of draft pick that will thrill a fan base, but he can help keep the pressure off of Watson next season. That’s something Houston has to accomplish in this year’s draft.

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